Run SMART client Michelle LaSala was kind enough to let us share a truly thoughtful message about her coach, Vince Sherry. And a wonderful addition to our testimonials page it is indeed!

I owe all of my post-collegiate running success and much of my day to day happiness to my coach, Vince Sherry. I began working with Vince in May of 2007. I had been a successful high school runner and competed on the Division I in college but after running several marathons I wanted to train at a high level again. Immediately after we got started I was badly injured and after many tears I decided to hang up the towel. I had never been through such a difficult decision and although Vince did not sign on to be my “life coach” (something we joke about today), he gave me a listening ear and shared his experience with me because he had been there before. Vince waited in the wings, knowing somehow that I would be back, and a year later, there I was. We started working together again and training conservatively. I ran a tedious 4 miles a day for over 6 months. I signed up for races that came and went, never toeing the starting line. It was very difficult for me to stay patient but Vince was like a rock always seeing the big picture. Eventually, my time came and since then, I have run PRs in the marathon and the half marathon and he has helped me to believe that my old college PRs are within arms reach.

Vince believes in me more than I believe in myself. He has brought running back to me, which is something I can never thank him enough for. I have learned to push myself once again. I am shocked at what I have been able to achieve in the last year being 100% healthy and I have learned more than I ever imagined I could through the example Vince sets for everyone he coaches. Wherever we are going, I know I can get there with Vince’s leadership. He is an amazing coach with the perfect amount of motivation, flexibility, and levelheadedness. He always sees the long term picture and his knowledge of the sport is unmatched! – Michelle LaSala, Sacramento, CA